6 Crucial Tips to Make Sure You Are Not Being Scammed by Fake Lawfirms

Have you seen ads promising to “win big” or “maximize your claim”? Watch out.

Many of these ads aren’t from real law firms; they’re run by marketing companies that collect and sell your personal information to the highest bidder. In this new blog, Pacific Workers CEO Eric Farber joins Work Comp Talk Podcast, to talk about a growing threat: legal marketing scams and how to protect yourself if you’ve been injured at work in California.

What Are Legal Marketing Scams?

Legal marketing scams are deceptive advertising campaigns that look like legal help but aren’t. They’re created by marketing or lead generation companies, not licensed attorneys. These companies collect your personal information (like your phone number and injury details) and sell it to law firms, usually without your knowledge.

In other words, you’re not choosing your lawyer; someone is buying your case.

These ads might look sleek and convincing, with flashy websites and urgent messaging. But behind the curtain, there’s no real law office. Just a marketing funnel designed to pressure you into acting quickly, without giving you the chance to verify who you’re really dealing with.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Eric Farber shares a few common warning signs that an ad may be part of a legal marketing scam:

No actual law firm name listed.

Generic names like “California Injury Center” or “Crash Victims Award Center.”

Vague promises like “Win big!” or “Maximize your claim now.”

No licensed attorney mentioned by name.

No bar license number or responsible party listed (as required by law).

Generic websites with no clear contact info or firm credentials.

Calls routed through call centers, often with high-pressure tactics.

Phrases that play on fear and urgency, like “You may lose your rights.”

Why Injured Workers Are Especially Vulnerable

Suffering a workplace injury can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You’re in pain, you may be out of work, and you’re looking for fast answers. That stress makes you vulnerable, and scammers know it.

Many injured workers believe they’re hiring a reputable attorney when, in reality, their case is being sold off to a firm they’ve never heard of and didn’t choose.

And once that happens, you may not know what kind of representation you’re actually getting.

How to Protect Yourself from a Legal Marketing Scam

If you’re seeking legal help, take your time and do your homework. Here’s how to avoid becoming a victim of a legal marketing scam:

✅ Look for a real law firm name and listed attorneys.

✅ Verify their license with your state’s Bar Association.

✅ Ask to speak with an attorney or case manager, not just the intake staff.

✅ Read reviews from real clients on multiple review platforms.

✅ Use trusted directories like Super Lawyers, Justia Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, or ABOTA.

✅ Ask friends or family members for referrals.

“Anyone can build a website that says they’re Superman… that doesn’t make it true.” — Carmen, host of Work Comp Talk

The #1 Rule: Slow Down

Don’t give out your personal info to any random website or call center. Do your research. Make sure you’re dealing with a real law firm, not just a marketing company.

Think you’ve been targeted by a scam? Talk to us.

At Pacific Workers, we’re not a call center or a marketing agency. We’re real attorneys who specialize in workers’ compensation law, and we’re here to help you through every step of your case.

📞 Call us at 800-606-6999 or visit pacificworkers.com

Don’t risk your future because of a fake ad. Get real legal help from a team that puts injured workers first.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder

Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.

With years of experience in workers’ compensation law, Bilal has been a vocal advocate against deceptive legal marketing practices that take advantage of injured workers. His commitment to transparency and justice has helped hundreds of clients avoid scams and connect with trusted legal representation.